Police in Highlands, North Carolina, have placed the town on lockdown following a man’s claim of being armed and making threats towards a daycare center. The mayor of Highlands reported that a 911 call was received from an individual stating they were armed and had a view of the Highlands Episcopal Church. A second call confirmed sighting a person matching the description of the alleged threat-maker. As a precaution, downtown stores have been requested to close, and residents advised to steer clear of the area.
Residents were notified of the shooting threat near Highlands Episcopal Church and urged to avoid downtown until further notice. Limited details have been disclosed, as the situation remains active. Highlands, known for its picturesque landscapes, has been rattled by the unexpected nature of the threat.
The town is renowned for its outdoor offerings, including hiking trails, waterfalls like Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, and activities such as fishing in the Cullasaja River and gem mining. Social media platforms have been flooded with inquiries about the ongoing threat, with residents expressing astonishment at the incident taking place in such a tranquil location.
Highlands Mayor Pat Taylor confirmed the evacuation of Episcopal Daycare Center, Highlands Daycare Center, and the Methodist Daycare. Highlands School is under lockdown, with plans for a secure pickup under police supervision. The suspect remains unidentified, with assistance from NCSBI and the county sheriff’s office in progress.
Mayor Pat Taylor emphasized the credibility of the threat, dismissing it as a hoax. The individual allegedly made two emergency calls, also claiming the presence of a bomb at the daycare center within the church premises, prompting the dispatch of a bomb disposal unit from Asheville. Daycare facilities and the Highlands School have been closed while authorities investigate the incident.
Furthermore, a bomb threat prompted the involvement of the Asheville bomb squad, leading to the closure of shops and advice for the community to avoid the town center.